The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will resume on May 17, following a week-long suspension due to heightened cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The final is now scheduled for June 3, with the remaining matches to be held across six venues.
The IPL was halted on May 9, a day after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match was suspended mid-game in Dharamsala due to the deteriorating security situation.
The suspension followed the escalation of military activity, including Operation Sindoor, in which India targeted terror camps and military installations across the border. A ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10, paving the way for the league’s restart.
In a statement, the BCCI said, “After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders, the Board has decided to proceed with the remainder of the season.”
Key Changes to Schedule and Format
The revised schedule abandons the traditional home-away format, with matches to be played in only six cities: Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. Kolkata, which was originally scheduled to host two playoff games, will not host any league matches. The BCCI has yet to confirm the playoff venues, though reports suggest Ahmedabad may step in for Kolkata if weather conditions are unfavorable.
The league phase will now end on May 27, with the playoffs set to begin on May 29. The Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match, which was halted on May 9, will be replayed on May 24 in Jaipur.
Revised IPL Schedule After Restart
- May 17 (Sat): RCB vs KKR – Bengaluru
- May 18 (Sun): RR vs PBKS – Jaipur; DC vs GT – Delhi
- May 19 (Mon): LSG vs SRH – Lucknow
- May 20 (Tue): CSK vs RR – Delhi
- May 21 (Wed): MI vs DC – Mumbai
- May 22 (Thu): GT vs LSG – Ahmedabad
- May 23 (Fri): RCB vs SRH – Bengaluru
- May 24 (Sat): PBKS vs DC – Jaipur
- May 25 (Sun): GT vs CSK – Ahmedabad; SRH vs KKR – Delhi
- May 26 (Mon): PBKS vs MI – Jaipur
- May 27 (Tue): LSG vs RCB – Lucknow
IPL Playoffs Revised Dates
- May 29 (Thu): Qualifier 1 – Venue TBC
- May 30 (Fri): Eliminator – Venue TBC
- June 1 (Sun): Qualifier 2 – Venue TBC
- June 3 (Tue): Final – Venue TBC
Player Availability and International Concerns
The extended IPL window could impact India’s preparations for the England tour, which begins June 20. India A is expected to play three four-day matches ahead of the five-Test series, but scheduling overlaps may affect participation from Test regulars.
There is also uncertainty regarding the availability of overseas players. Several Australian and South African cricketers are set to join their national squads ahead of the World Test Championship Final, which begins June 11 at Lord’s. Players like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins may opt out of the IPL remainder, though many others are expected to return to India as teams regroup at designated venues.
The BCCI is expected to provide further clarity in the coming days regarding player participation, travel logistics, and final venue details for the playoffs.
